USD Dental Hygiene is dedicated to life-long learning and improving the health of the communities they serve. We offer services at several clinical sites.
We set the standard for dental hygiene in South Dakota. Our graduates are dedicated to life-long learning and improving the health of the communities they serve.
We admit 32 students each year who meet our academic standards. We not only stay on top of the latest teaching techniques, but we keep current on the latest clinical practices as well.
Our students are well prepared with an above average national certification exam pass rate - 100 percent for the past ten consecutive years. They enjoy a low faculty-to student ratio and get to experience clinical training opportunities in the real world.
We offer services at several clinical sites throughout the state. This helps our community as well as our students by providing clinical experience. These include:
Main clinical site on the Vermillion campus
Clinic in Siouxland Health and Human Services Building in Sioux Falls.
Correctional Facilities in Yankton, Springfield and Sioux Falls
South Dakota Developmental Center
IHS/Tribal Dental Clinics
Area nursing homes
Area Schools
Our students get experience outside the classroom for professional development and clinical experience, including:
Providing public dental health services
Providing oral cancer screenings
Giving oral health presentations
Completing a three-week dental office internship.
The mission of the USD Department of Dental Hygiene is to provide a quality, specialized undergraduate education in which graduates are professional, competent dental hygienists dedicated to improving the health of the public.
http://www.usd.edu/health-sciences/dental-hygiene/patient-overview-and-services
Patients can receive the following dental hygiene care available at the USD Dental Hygiene Campus Clinic and the USD Sioux Falls Dental Hygiene Clinic. Fees vary depending on services provided.
Blood Pressure, Pulse, and Respiration
Dental X-Rays
Denture and Partial Care
Fluoride Treatments
Impressions and Study Models
Mouthguards
Nightguards
Nutritional Counseling
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral Hygiene Instruction
Pain Management
Pit and Fissure Sealants
Root Planing and Antimicrobial Placement
Teeth Bleaching
Teeth Cleaning
Tobacco Intervention
Tooth Desensitization
TMJ Assessmement
Local anesthesia and nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation are available as needed. Patients will be advised of their treatment needs and will be appropriately referred for procedures that cannot be provided by the program. Comprehensive dental exams and limited restorative services are available in the USD Campus Clinic and the USD Sioux Falls Clinic.
The Department will not deny access to dental or dental hygiene services and/or admission to the program to any individual based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, socioeconomic status, or the presence of any bloodborne infectious disease. The USD Department of Dental Hygiene adheres to standard infection control practices for all patients. We sterilize all instruments and utilize disposable products whenever possible.
Payment Options
We accept private insurance, Medicaid and credit cards to provide you options for payment of our services.
